$25m proposal for Point Nepean will provide long term solution for historic Quarantine Station Precinct
It’s been the subject of passionate protests and described as a “political football” by conservationists. How will this latest plan for Point Nepean go down?
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A $25 million world class marine and coastal research centre is the latest plan for a historic quarantine station on the Mornington Peninsula.
The project would “revitalise” old buildings in Point Nepean National Park to create a National Centre for Coasts, Environment and Climate.
The centre would be run by the University of Melbourne in conjunction with Monash University with the aim of championing climate science.
Flinders federal Liberal MP Greg Hunt said the site’s location at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay was ideal for researchers to observe ocean, coast and atmospheric conditions.
He said the project would also provide a long-term, sustainable environmental use for the existing buildings.
“I have fought passionately over many years and alongside many members of the local community to revitalise the old quarantine buildings in Point Nepean National Park for a marine research centre, and I am delighted that this long-held vision is now a step closer,” Mr Hunt said.
The former quarantine station and military fort was the site of a controversial plan to build a multi-million luxury hot springs resort in 2014.
The 50-year agreement with Point Leisure Group covered the 64ha park and 50 buildings that make up the quarantine station.
It included a $20 million marine research centre and was rushed through by the Napthine Government in the lead up to the 2014 Victorian state election.
Premier Daniel Andrews later scrapped the deal when he came to power.
At the time Nepean Conservation Group president Ursula De Jong said the site had been used as a “political football”.
Environment Minister Sussan Ley said on Monday the latest plan for the precinct would focus on environmental and cultural sensitivities.
She promised the universities would also “listen and work closely with the local community” as the project developed.
“The potential of the facility to contribute to greater public understanding of the ecological and cultural treasures of Point Nepean is also something the universities will be exploring,” Ms Ley said.
A business case and proposal would now be developed by Melbourne and Monash universities in partnership with Parks Victoria, she said.
The Point Nepean Quarantine Station was opened in 1852 and is the second oldest intact quarantine station in Australia.
MORE NEWS
VIRUS MIX UP ‘FREAKS OUT’ PENINSULA
HOW ROGUE WHALE WATCHERS RUINED IT FOR EVERYONE